Norfolk Stained Selection of Favourites
Here we have selected our personal favourites. The only basis for inclusion is the fact that we like them ! As such the glass selected is quite eclectic and includes windows as diverse as the macabre medieval "Dance of Death" and the Victorian "Blessed Girls" from Booton. We hope you enjoy looking at them.
This macabre 16th century panel depicting the "Dance of Death" is remarkable as being the only surviving example of this subject reproduced in glass in the country. The evocative scene shows a skeleton leading away a bishop. Not only is it unique but it is beautifully made. Click the thumbnail for more information and bigger images
We really enjoyed "discovering" this 15th century window which gives a real insight into the skills and techniques of Norwich's 15th century glass makers. As an extra bonus the church itself is exceptional and well worth a visit. Click on the image for further information
The beautiful church of St Peter Mancroft contains what is generally accepted as the finest stained glass in Norfolk.The bulk of the churches’ surviving medieval glass is now located in the east window where forty two panels are all of medieval date. Although many have been “patched” they are remarkably intact. It is especially interesting to "spot" the Victorian replacement panels which despite the huge technological advances of the intervening years do not match the delicacy of touch and design achieved by the medieval craftsman. Click the thumbnail for more information and bigger images
We really like the details on this 15th century roundel. In particular within a few lines we see boredom anxiety and impatience as the wealthy gentleman(note richness of clothes and house) awaits the cessation of the rain so that presumable he can get on with important (farming?) business.
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This beautiful window, designed by Michael King (1967) depicts the ascension in an expressionist style using glorious bright colours. What we really like is the sense of movement that one feels watching Christ rising to Heaven. Click the thumbnail for more information and bigger images
We make no apologies for the fact that we really like 15th century angels. Not only are they beautifully crafted and contain exquisite detail but they also bring a smile to one's face. This gorgeous example wears a feathered suit, which was the costume worn by actors representing angels in the medieval mystery plays, and holds the bagpipes. Click the thumbnail for more information and bigger images
In our opinion everyone should visit Booton Church. We are not saying you will like it but you will definitely have an opinion on this “ Gothic Revival extravaganza… raised from banality by the roof & glass.” (Simon James) The nave windows are superb. They depict a procession of angels walking through verdant fields and flowers said to have been portraits of “blessed girls” with whom Elwin (the Church’s creator and rector) was “an affectionate, almost intimate counsellor.” Individually the windows are beautiful en masse they create a stunning scene.
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This striking window dominates the church. It was designed and made by workers on a Manpower Services Commission programme, who restored the church during the 1980s. It dramatically illustrates Christ’s victory over Death at his resurrection. The eye at the apex of the window represents God the Father overseeing events. On the left the skeleton represents Death whilst on the right we see angel who rolled away the stone complete with magnificent wings. You are either going to love it or hate it - but never be indifferent to it .Click the thumbnail for more information and bigger images
These two beauties can be seen at East Barsham church. They are both beautifully crafted and are examples of the 15th century Norwich School at its best. Both wear feathered suits, which was the costume worn by actors representing angels in the medieval mystery plays, and respectively play a wind instrument and a harp.Click the thumbnail for more information and bigger images
Thanks to the activities of John Christopher Hampp the county contains many examples of early European glass however this window has been accredited by David King as being “the most impressive”. We like it becuase of the contrast it makes with English designed windows of the same period
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The beauty of the Victorian glass at Garboldisham is that it was all produced by one workshop : J Powell & Sons. Although no one window is outstanding, as a group of windows it is unique described by Birkin Haward as a collection “….of works of national consequence” It differs from the Garboldisham “Blessed Girls” in that all the windows differ in design and were made over a relatively long period (approximately 35 years) . We particularly like these lovely angels which contrast greatly with their medieval counterparts.
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This window gave all of us a huge challenge i.e How do you photograph it? How do you present it on the website? How do you describe each panel?
We hope we have done justice to this eclectic collection of glass which has been described by Birkin Haward as “one of the most impressive collections of 16th / 17th fragments remaining in East Anglia”and by David King as being “the most exuberant and in some ways the most interesting” patchwork of miscellaneous fragments to be found in Norfolk. It is an extraordinary window and one we all enjoyed discovering, and we hope you do as well……
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